OK, I am not Richard Dawson of Family Feud fame, although loved that guy on Hogan’s Heroes, but I did want to go over a few responses to our recent survey that many of you were kind enough to respond to. I guess one of the things that surprised us the most was that many of you weren’t aware of some of the programs we offer. Maybe it is time to let you know about some of them.

Education
Many responders didn’t know we offered educational Webinars. There were a few who mentioned they were aware of them but the times were not be convenient for their busy schedule. I would like to say we do record them all so you can view them at your leisure. These have been on topics such as swingweight, shaft fitting, gripping, club assembly, etc. You can find them on YouTube as well as our site.

Here is the link. I should point out the top portion of the link comprises of the Webinar slides, but if you scroll below you will find the actual videos.

Trade Pricing
Although we had several other ask a similar question, one of the responses was “I am a professional clubmaker, I would like a slight discount on products”. Hireko does offer better pricing for trade accounts called the Chairmen’s Club. To see if you qualify and would like to participate, here is the link.

Full Line distributors
Another response was “Offer a wider range of Golf Pride and Lamkin grips”. Actually Hireko carries every single model from both of these two companies. We are also a full-line distributor for several more manufacturers such as Apollo, FST, Grafalloy, KBS, Loomis, New Image, Project X, True Temper and Winn. While we may not carry every single shaft, we do carry a bulk of the models from Aldila, Graphite Design and UST too. Hireko is committed to be your one-stop shop for all your golf equipment needs.

What’s New for 2012?
If you didn’t notice it’s only months away from a brand spankin’ new year. We asked what new brands or products you would like for Hireko to carry in 2012 that we currently don’t. Your wish list turned out to be rather long. Checking the list, here are a few of the things that were requested by those surveyed that you can expect for the upcoming year.

Belly putter

Long putter

More innovative putters in general, especially stainless steel

More golf bags

More wedges

Junior components

Kudos Hireko customers
Again, thank those that participated in our survey. Your answers will only help us service our customers better through our catalog, website and interactive projects not just in the immediate future, but for years to come. While the majority of questions showed a favorable response (so we must be doing some things right), there we many constructive comments and opinions where we need to improve.

Sale applicable to 1st column retail price only. Coupon code cannot be used by Chairmen Club members or Hireko Distributors.

Modern Guide to Clubmaking 6th Edition

Now in gorgeous full color!

The all-new 6th edition Modern Guide to Clubmaking book explains in detail the proper procedures for modern clubmaking and the first one every produced in color! Step-by-step photos and detailed text explain how to assemble clubs, trim shafts, installation of grips – every procedure to properly assemble component clubs. There are also more advanced discussions on such topics as setting up a shop, how components are manufactured, frequency and moment of inertia matching to common repair procedures such as finishing a through bore, extending a club, bending an iron to re-boring a hosel. This comprehensive book is perfect for anyone interested in the craft of clubmaking.

Modern Guide to Clubmaking 6th Edition

Reg. $29.95

Sale $25.46

Save 15%!

Total Clubfitting in the 21st Century Book

This step-by-step book provides information related to fitting for each and every specification of the golf club. With a heavy emphasis on dynamic fitting, this definitive guide incorporates many approaches to a “best fit” situation. Covers everything you want to know and more about custom fitting, including:

Hireko has added yet another shaft series to our extensive line up for your repair and retrofitting needs. This shaft comes from Apollo called the Constant Weight Steel or CWS for short. Unlike most shafts we stock, these shafts are not designed to fit any of Hireko irons or wedges because they are taper tipped. These are designed exclusively to retrofit existing pro-line irons and wedges requiring a 0.355” taper tip shaft.

Who is the CWS shafts for?

The Apollo CWS are primarily designed for the more advanced player who desires more of a flatter or tour type trajectory. The firm tip section or high bend point is typically favored by better players who tend to hold their release until later in the swing. This enhances distance control and a tighter shot pattern, in particular the scoring clubs where it is needed most. Lastly, the CWS series places an emphasis on shaft consistency as they are manufactured to exacting weights and balance point positions to ensure consistent flex matching throughout the set.

What is Constant Weight?

There are three ways that shafts can be produced. One of which is Constant Weight. This a shafting concept in which all of the shafts in a given set of irons will weigh the same regardless of their length.

This does not occur with unitized, parallel tip shafts or even certain taper tip shafts that start out as a master shaft, tip trimmed to increase the stiffness and then swaged to form the tapered tip section. As more material is tip trimmed, the shaft becomes progressively lighter and lighter the shorter the shaft. This is described as a Descending Weight shaft. For the record, Ascending Weight is the complete opposite (becoming heavier the shorter the shaft in the set is) and appears in only a few shafts ever marketed.

Take a look at the chart for a second, this will show the differences in raw and cut weights when you compare a constant weight set with a descending weight set. By the time you get to the scoring clubs, you are looking at a 10g difference.

What are the benefits of constant weight designs?

Think about this for a second. If the a shaft’s weight is greater with the exact same step pattern and length then this means there is an increase in wall thicknesses. Because of this, there are several byproducts such as an increase in the overall weight of the club, steeper frequency slope, stiffer tip section and lower torque. This is especially true the shorter the shaft becomes as the weight discrepancy increases. This is why touring professional prefer the constant weight version of a shaft pattern more so than the descending mass model when available simply because of the greater control they get.

Fitting information

Here is the DSFI data that we produce for our annual Shaft Fitting Addendum so you can compare them to other shafts we have tested.

With taper tip shafts, there is no tip trimming required. However, this requires the clubmaker to purchase or stock a specific raw length for each head. Here are those recommended raw lengths:

3-iron

40.5″

4-iron

40″

5-iron

39.5″

6-iron

39″

7-iron

38.5″

8-iron

38″

9-iron

37.5″

wedges

37″

The Skinny

The Apollo CWS is the most economical standard weight, high bend point taper tip shaft on the market. This not only gives clubmakers another option for retrofitting full sets or iron or wedges, but also for repairs. If you or your customer is looking for a lower trajectory taper tip shaft with tight tolerances, then the Apollo Constant Weight Steel will make an excellent choice.

In order to better serve you in 2012 we are hosting our annual customer feedback survey. The survey only takes approximately 3 minutes to complete will greatly aid us in creating a heightened Hireko shopping experience for you in 2012.

Leupold’s GX Series of Digital Rangefinders are feature-rich and precision engineered to provide reliable distance readings on the course so you can take the guesswork out of your club selections and swing.

Leupold GX 1 Digital Rangefinder

Model # LPGX1-001

Price $299.99

The GX 1 Digital Rangefinder is Leupold’s most basic model, but provides plenty of distance-finding technology in this small package.

Pinhunter technology is Leupold’s proprietary laser beam geometry that separates returned background readings from target readings to ensure you’re getting the right reading to the right target. Scan mode allows you to hold down the power button to gather multiple readings in one quick sweep. As an added benefit on courses with prism technology, the GX-1 will beep and freeze the display the moment you scan a prism-topped flagstick, assuring you of an accurate pin reading.

The optical system combines precision glass with a cutting-edge coating technology and rugged structural components. Looking through the viewfinder, you’ll see seven selectable aiming reticules and distance readings in either yards or meters. The GX-1’s maximum range is 750 yards, or 686 meters with an accurate pin range of 350 yards or 318 meters. The batter supports thousands of actuations and the built-in indicator will let you know when the battery life is low. The whole unit is only 6.8 ounces and is durable enough to hold up to just about any weather condition you’ll run into on the course. The GX-1 makes for a great entry-level unit in Leupold’s attractive digital rangefinder line.

Leupold GX 1 Digital Rangefinder Model # LPGX1-001 Price $299.99

Leupold GX 2 Digital Rangefinder

Model # LPGX2-001

Price $399.99

The GX-2 Digital Rangefinder is a step up from the basic model and includes all of Leupold’s fundamental range finding technology along with TGR, or True Golf Range technology. TGR is sophisticated, algorithmic-based software in the GX-2 that takes into account temperature and altitude inputs to give you an exact “playable” distance to your target.

Taking the TGR function a step further, the Club Selector automatically recommends the appropriate club for each shot, even indicating when the distance falls between clubs. Simply input the striking distance for three specific clubs and the GX will do the rest. Pinhunter technology is Leupold’s proprietary laser beam geometry that separates returned background readings from target readings to ensure you’re getting the right reading to the right target. Scan mode allows you to hold down the power button to gather multiple readings in one quick sweep. As an added benefit on courses with prism technology, the GX-2 will beep and freeze the display the moment you scan a prism-topped flagstick, assuring you of an accurate pin reading.

The optical system combines precision glass with a cutting-edge coating technology and rugged structural components. Looking through the viewfinder, you’ll see seven selectable aiming reticules and distance readings in either yards or meters. The GX-2’s maximum range is 750 yards, or 686 meters with an accurate pin range of 350 yards or 318 meters. The batter supports thousands of actuations and the built-in indicator will let you know when the battery life is low. The whole unit is only 6.8 ounces and is durable enough to hold up to just about any weather condition you’ll run into on the course. The GX-2 is an outstanding range finding unit that gives you accurate and reliable distances.

Leupold GX 2 Digital Rangefinder Model # LPGX2-001 Price $399.99

Leupold GX3 Digital Rangefinder

Model # LPGX3-001

Price $399.99

The GX-3 offers all the fundamental Leupold rangefinding technology but with the added benefit of a bright red, easily viewable OLED display and added rangefinding distance.

Pinhunter technology is Leupold’s proprietary laser beam geometry that separates returned background readings from target readings to ensure you’re getting the right reading to the right target. Scan mode allows you to hold down the power button to gather multiple readings in one quick sweep. As an added benefit on courses with prism technology, the GX-3 will beep and freeze the display the moment you scan a prism-topped flagstick, assuring you of an accurate pin reading.

The optical system combines precision glass with a cutting-edge coating technology and rugged structural components.

Looking through the viewfinder, you’ll see seven selectable aiming reticules and distance readings in either yards or meters. The GX-3’s maximum range is 800 yards, or 731 meters with an accurate pin range of 450 yards or 411 meters. The batter supports thousands of actuations and the built-in indicator will let you know when the battery life is low. The whole unit is only 6.8 ounces and is durable enough to hold up to just about any weather condition you’ll run into on the course. The GX-3 makes for a great entry-level unit in Leupold’s attractive digital rangefinder line.

Leupold GX3 Digital Rangefinder Model # LPGX3-001 Price $399.99

Leupold GX4 Digital Rangefinder

Model # LPGX4-001

Price $499.99

The Leupold GX-4 Digital Golf Rangefinder offers a rugged alumnium body, a vivid OLED dislpay and line-of-site measurement when the standard chrome faceplate is attached. Snap on the included Smart Key faceplate and the GX-4 instantly becomes a coach, providing accurate ranging information that matches your personal striking distances to the slope of the shot and current atmospheric conditions, even suggesting which club to use.

Pinhunter and Prism Lock: Every GX golf rangefinder has been precisely calibrated to fire a laser beam exactly at the target in the crosshairs. Leupold’s priprietary beam geometry improves laser returns from the pin and the advanced GX software accurately separates those returns from objects in the background. On courses that utilize prism technology, ranging a distant pin is even easier thanks to Prism Lock. Hold the top button to scan the area around the pin, your GX will beep and the display will freeze the moment it identifies a prism-topped flag stick.

Optical System: Leupold engineers combine precision glass, cutting edge coating technology and rugged structural components to create some of the most desired optical products on the market. The optical system in the GX golf rangefinders is built to the same exacting standards. You can expect no less than bright, clear optics, accurate ranging, low glare, scratch resistance and years of dependable use. In addition to Leupold’s advanced optical precision, the GX-4 sports a vivid red OLED display which is easy to read against any background and far superior to the standard LCD displays found in most golf rangefinders.

Scan Mode: When you want multiple readings in one quick sweep, just hold down the power button on your GX-4 and the display will continuously update with accurate line-of-site measurements. As an extra benefit, on courses utilizing prism technology, you GX will beep and the display will freeze the moment you scan past a prism-topped flag stick, assuring you of an accurate reading.

Smart Key: The GX-4 is the only golf rangeinder available which converts from a simple line-of-site rangefinder to a full coaching tool with the switch of a faceplate. With the chrome faceplate attached, the GX-4 performs standard operations, simply displaying the line-of-site measurement to the pin or any object on the course. Snap on the yellow faceplat to activate the advanced features in cluding True Golf Range and Club Selector – perfect for getting to know a course and improving your golf game.

True Golf Range: The TGR feature on the GX-4 uses sophisticated, algorithmic-based software, in addition to temperature and altitude inputs to tell you exactly how far you should play a shot.

Club Selector: Taking the TGR function a step further, the Club Selector automatically recommends the appropriate club for each shot, even indicating when the distance fallse between clubs. Simply input the striking distance for three specific clubs and the GX will do the rest.

The other day I needed to shorten a fairway wood by 1/2”. While I was at it I was going to change to a different style of grip. So I placed the club in the vise, cut the grip with the hooked blade, peeled off the grip and then stripped off the tape so I had a clean surface for the grip tape. Pretty standard procedure. Next, I applied a new layer of grip tape and then installed the new grip and set it aside to let it dry.

After a while, it dawned on me. DOH! In my haste, I had forgot the most important part – that was cutting the length off of the butt end. What a bonehead move on my part. By the time I realized it the solvent had evaporated and I could not budge the grip loose. I didn’t have at my immediate disposal a grip shooter or anything else to remove the grip with. Plus, the cost of the grip was minimal and not worth all the hassle. I ended up wasting a perfectly good grip only because I had a spare.

I rectified my problem and now have a shortened fairway wood with a shiny new grip. But I wanted to show budding clubmakers it can even happen to professionals from time to time as we all make mistakes. After all, we are human. It wasn’t my first mistake, nor I am sure will be my last. At least it wasn’t a customer’s club that they had to drive a long way to pick it up with the high cost of gas today or was shipped to a customer that required the customer to ship it back.

Belly putters continue to be a hot topic with all the recent success by tour players. If you or your customer is looking for a putter that might make a good candidate for a belly version, then there is one option you probably haven’t considered.

If you look up specifications for the name brand belly putters on the market, you will find most are in the 385g-400g range with the upper end of that range being the most popular. However if you start to look for putters in that weight range, you will find they are far and few between severely limiting your options. Plus most of the heavier putters are mallet styles with a 90º socket or post for the shaft, thus requiring a curved putter shaft. Not to be Debbie Downer and burst your bubble, but no long or belly length putter shafts are available with a triple bend to create both the lie and offset in the use of these heads. Single bend yes, triple bend no.

That prompted me a month ago to discuss how to extend an existing putter into a belly length. But there is another option other than extending the shaft on a new club build. Take for example our Dynacraft On-Line putter. The weight may only be 365g, but with either of the two of the universal putter adapters Hireko sells (plumber’s neck and slant), we can kill two birds with one stone.

First, it will add 42g to make it the weight you typically see for a belly length putter. Second, either the plumber’s or slant neck adapter requires a straight shaft in which we offer some extended length models without the need to extend them. Plus there is no alignment issues with a straight shaft that you have with the triple bend shaft.

To start out, you will epoxy the universal hosel adapter into the socket. This is one time fast-setting epoxy is perfectly acceptable. Just make sure to install the adapter so it is aligned correctly. The base of the adapters are square and make is easily to align with the face. Once the epoxy has set up, epoxy the shaft and let it dry, then cut the shaft to length and grip. When done, you will have a very functional face balanced belly putter for roughly $33.50 in component parts.

Why wait for 2012 for new products to arrive? We didn’t and you shouldn’t either. That’s why Hireko is pleased to announce a whopping 26 new Lamkin grips models which will be in stock starting the second week of October. So sit back a get a sneak peak and quick preview at what is to come.

The R.E.L. finally has company

Last year introduced a new line called the R.E.L., which kind of flew under the radar as it was offered as a single model. There it sat alone in our catalog surrounded by family after family of grips like the red-headed stepchild in the Lamkin line – oh so very sad. Why? If you didn’t get a chance to try one, it is a great feeling grip. I have been a Crossline fan for a long time, but in my opinion the R.E.L. has a better feel. It was softer and seemed to dampen more vibration due to the 3GEN synthetic rubber compound they use in it’s construction.

If you are already familiar with the Lamkin line, the R.E.L. is a similar grip to their Performance Plus, but with a different surface pattern and a traditional tapered profile.

Personally I prefer a larger grip and Lamkin came through this year by offering this model in a midsize and oversize model. Oversize is another description for what is also known as jumbo. They also added an undersized model for ladies or men with smaller hands. The great thing about Lamkin grips is they show the grip size clearly on the end cap. No more guessing.

#RL193

Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN Oversize

$5.49 each

#RL194

Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN Midsize

$5.29 each

Over the Rainbow

I am sure you have watched the Wizard of Oz. If so then you probably remember when it starts out in black and white (after all it was made in the 1930s) and once Dorthy lands in Oz, all of the sudden there is color everywhere.

Somewhere under all those grips must be a pair of red ruby slippers as the R.E.L. family now has 11 different colors to choose from (gray, neon purple, red, neon pink, orange, white, yellow, green, electric blue, blue, purple and of course black.) The two neon models are undersized models while the rest of the colored models are men’s standard size.

Now you can color coordinate any shaft, head, golf bag or sport the colors of your favorite team.

#RL195

Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN Gray

$4.99 each

#RL196

Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN White

$4.99 each

#RL197

Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN Blue

$4.99 each

#RL198

Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN Red

$4.99 each

#RL199

Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN Purple

$4.99 each

#RL200

Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN Orange

$4.99 each

#RL201

Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN Yellow

$4.99 each

#RL202

Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN Green

$4.99 each

#RL203

Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN Neon Blue

$4.99 each

A Fitting End

The R.E.L. family has one more model in the arsenal. The R.E.L. 360 happens to be an orientation free grip. What we mean by that is it has no logo or alignment markings whatsoever. This allows for the grips to be installed onto a number clubheads with adapter systems like Dynacraft Prophet ICT series, TaylorMade R11, Titleist 910D, Nike models with STR8 Fit among others so the view of the grip is the same regardless of orientation. These also make excellent grips choices for people who use fitting systems such as the QuikFit that Hireko offers. It is also available in standard and midsize .

#RL207

Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN 360 Standard

$4.99 each

#RL208

Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN 360 Midsize

$5.29 each

It’s perfectly fine to choke (down) on your next wedge shot

There a new addition to the Performance Plus line that I mentioned earlier. One of the attributes of the Performance Plus series is it has a reduced amount of taper compared to an ordinary grip. What this does is take some of the “wristiness” out of the swing by providing more control due to the a larger size under the lower hand. What clubs needs more control than any other? That’s right – the wedges.

The grip’s reduced taper is a natural to be able to choke or grip down on the club to create those finesse shots or when you want to dial down the yardage. The grip is a full inch longer than a conventional grip and has two “buttons” which are separated by 1.5″ to act as alignment guides for your lower hand’s thumb. Now you can have a repeatable hand position and take some of the guess work when you go from practicing onto the course.

Make sure when you go to install this grip as the buttons should appear on top, while the Lamkin logo will be underneath and out of site at address. In this case, the lettering on the end cap will be your additional point of reference. One more thing, the Performance Plus Wedge grip is also available in a white version.

#RL191

Lamkin Performance Plus 3GEN Wedge Grip White

$7.99 each

#RL192

Lamkin Performance Plus 3GEN Wedge Grip

$7.99 each

Distinguished Appearance

One grip I had to do a double take on when I first saw it was the Tour White Full Cord. This is the white version of Lamkin’s Tour Black Full Cord, but you can’t see the white corded material against the white background which gives it a very distinguished appearance. This grip was designed for the better player in mind. For starters, a full cord grip is one, if not the best, all weather surfaces with excellent traction to ensure a secure handle. Plus better players may want that clean look at address so the customer has the option of placing the black Lamkin logo underneath. Again, you can use the writing on the grip cap for alignment. In this position, the golfer can manipulate the grip opened or closed if they want to work the ball and not be distracted.

#RL190

Lamkin Tour Full Cord White

$6.49 each

Psst…do I have a deal for you

Let me let you on on a little secret. Lamkin is introducing a new affordable line of grips named X10. Here’s the deal, if you look really close at the pattern it looks exactly like the current Crossline Tour, but without the yellow paint fill. Not only are you getting a quality product, but at a bargain basement price. These are also available in 4 different sizes (undersized, standard, midsize and oversize) for all your fitting needs.

#RL211

Lamkin X10 Undersize

$2.99 each

#RL212

Lamkin X10 Standard

$2.99 each

#RL213

Lamkin X10 Midsize

$3.29 each

#RL214

Lamkin X10 Oversize

$3.49 each

Where have all the ladies grips gone?

Lamkin’s most popular grip (Crossline) is now available in two new undersized models. If you are wondering what undersized is, it is the gender neutral name for what has traditionally been named ladies. However, there are a number of men who might have smaller hands that like the size and feel of a smaller grip, but wouldn’t normally think about purchasing a ladies grip. Undersized is simply a better term in today’s age of fitting.

Just a hunch here though, the model with the pink paint fill…well, that most likely will be exclusively for ladies.

#RL204

Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN Undersize

$4.99 each

#RL205

Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN Undersize Neon Pink

$4.99 each

#RL206

Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN Undersize Neon Purple

$4.99 each

#RL209

Lamkin Crossline Undersize Black/White

$3.79 each

#RL210

Lamkin Crossline Undersize Black/Pink

$3.79 each

Smooth

In a twist, Lamkin added a black version to the EBL Smooth Pistol White with 3GEN putter grip. Normally companies wait and add the white version once they know the black model will sell. Just like the white version, this model is perfectly smooth with a tacky surface.

#RL215

Lamkin E.B.L. 3GEN Smooth Pistol Putter Black

$5.99 each

New Taylor Made Replacement Grips

We have the original replacement grips for the most popular name brand clubs in the industry today. This includes the Tour Preferred, Burner Standard, Arrow and Afterburner. Plus we are offering a specialty model called the Crossline Bubble. While TaylorMade no longer uses the Bubble graphite shaft, there are still many floating around in bags across the globe. This is the only grip that will still fit the Bubble graphite shaft as the butt end measures 0.810″ and tapers down to 0.680″ at the mouth of the grip (hence the odd core size).

#RL216

Taylor Tour Preferred

$5.99 each

#RL217

Taylor Made Burner Standard Ribbed

$5.99 each

#RL218

Taylor Made Arrow Standard

$5.99 each

#RL219

Taylor Made Crossline Bubble Ribbed

$5.99 each

#RL220

Taylor Made Aeroburner Standard Ribbed

$5.99 each

New Cleveland Golf Replacement Grips

We offer three of the most recent grips for Cleveland Golf. First, there is the 845 Wedge/Iron grip. It has been the stock offering on all wedges for the past five years as well as the stock offering of their TA iron series. The CG Gold Wood grip is the standard offering on all HiBore XL, XLS and XLS Monster drivers, fairway woods and hybrids. The 2010 Launcher was specifically designed for the new Big Butt 2010 Launcher driver and fairway woods where conventional grips will not fit these clubs due to the larger 0.650″ diameter.

Cleveland Wedge Standard

#RL221

$5.99 each

Cleveland XLS Standard

#RL222

$5.99 each

Cleveland Launcher DST Standard

#RL223

$5.99 each

Time to stock up

The best thing about a company bringing out so many new models is the manufacturer is going to discontinue a few models just to make room in their warehouse for the new ones. What does that mean for you? That’s right, bargains on great quality products, so stock up.